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Protect Your Property From Wind and Water Damage

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Property owners planning to rebuild homes or businesses damaged by Tropical Storm Debby should consider using construction methods that will minimize damage in future storms.

Taking steps to reduce future damage is called hazard mitigation. The most obvious example of mitigation is elevating flood-prone properties. Information on many mitigation procedures is available free from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Here are some improvements property owners should discuss with contractors:

WIND CLIPS: These are small inexpensive metal plates that are used to firmly secure a roof to the walls of a structure.
MASONRY TIES: These are metal strips used to anchor the wooden frame of a structure to the masonry foundation walls.
PLYWOOD: Construction engineers prefer plywood to pressboard, not less than 7/16 of an inch thick.
FASTENING: In securing four-by-eight foot plywood sheathing to walls or roofs, nails should be driven at intervals no greater than four inches in the perimeter and six inches in the middle lines.
GARAGE DOORS: Consider a heavy gauge door. When high winds buckle a garage door it is likely that the roof will be lifted off.
ELEVATION: This is the ultimate safeguard against flooding. It is costly but widely employed, particularly along coastlines.
ELECTRICAL: Appliances and circuit breaker boxes should be raised above base flood elevation, door seals renewed and old windows replaced with waterproof windows.
DRAINAGE: Ditches should be cleared.

Specialists stress the necessity of tying foundations to the frames of structures with correctly installed anchor bolts. Bolts should penetrate foundation blocks at least 15 inches to connect with the second course of block.

While these measures can’t guarantee protection from storm damage, the odds for escaping major damage are much improved.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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Protect Your Property From Wind and Water Damage

A Month After Tropical Storm Debby, More Than $15 Million Approved For Disaster Assistance In Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A month after Tropical Storm Debby soaked Florida, more than $15 million in state and federal aid has been approved to help those affected by the storm and flooding.

Almost 10,000 survivors have contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help or information regarding disaster assistance. Many people are seeking housing assistance from FEMA because their primary home is unlivable or inaccessible.

For survivors who have needs other than federal assistance, the FEMA helpline (800-621-3362) serves as a single source of information – referring survivors to partner agencies such as the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Other callers may be interested in disaster unemployment assistance or legal aid. Businesses are also referred to the SBA.

The following is a snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of July 20:

3,314 households have already been approved for FEMA grants that assist with housing and personal property loss.
$12.3 million approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance, home repair and replacement costs.
$1.6 million approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
$1.4 million approved for SBA loans to help repair homes and replace property.
7,173 home inspections completed.
4,560 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.

People who have insurance are urged to apply for help because they may be underinsured. They can use any of the following methods:

By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Assistance is available in most languages. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.
Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By tablet or smartphone, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

Businesses that need help may contact the U.S. Small Business Administration directly at the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339), send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://www.floridadisaster.org/. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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A Month After Tropical Storm Debby, More Than $15 Million Approved For Disaster Assistance In Florida

FEMA Announces Development of Youth Preparedness Council; Council Includes Members from Louisiana and Texas

FEMA Announces Development of Youth Preparedness Council; Council Includes Members from Louisiana and Texas

DENTON, Texas – Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the formation of its first Youth Preparedness Council.

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council is a unique opportunity for a select group of youth leaders to serve on a highly-distinguished national council and to share their opinions, experiences, ideas and solutions to strengthen the nation’s resiliency for all types of disasters. Council members were nominated by individuals who can attest to their preparedness activities; they also demonstrate a willingness to represent the youth perspective on emergency preparedness and to take information back to their communities for sharing.

Young people are integral part of preparing the nation for all hazards,” said FEMA Region 6 Acting Administrator Tony Robinson. “They influence their family and their friends to be more prepared for any disaster that may happen.”

The Youth Preparedness Council is comprised of 13 members (13-17 years of age) from across FEMA’s 10 regions. They are all dedicated to public service; are making a difference in their community; and are expanding their impact as a national advocate for youth preparedness.

The distinguished members from FEMA Region 6 are Dorian Tre’Vaughn Gregory from Breaux Bridge, La., and Jonathan DeLong from Austin, Texas.

Council members will have the opportunity to participate in a community preparedness roundtable event in Washington, D.C., where they will advise and ask questions on youth disaster preparedness with the leadership of national organizations working on this critical priority. Council members are eligible to serve for two years.

To learn more about FEMA’s youth preparedness efforts, please visit http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthindex.shtm.

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Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6, the R6 Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Announces Development of Youth Preparedness Council; Council Includes Members from Louisiana and Texas

FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERS TEAM UP TO IDENTIFY TEXAS COASTAL FLOOD RISKS: Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Kleberg, Nueces,…

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating flood maps in Kleberg, Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas, Texas counties following the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) that gives updated information on coastal flood risks

As FEMA works to update the new flood maps, the agency is working closely with its federal, state and local partners to help these four coastal counties better understand the current flood risk so that action can be taken to reduce that risk.

Meetings with local officials have already taken place and open houses for the general public are currently being scheduled. The local workshops provided an opportunity for local officials to review the storm surge study methods and get an update on the project’s progress. The Open Houses help to educate the public about the current flood risks in their area.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort is part of FEMA’s comprehensive approach to integrating flood hazard identification and analysis with risk communications for affected coastal counties. In addition to the four counties, the effort also includes Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Matagorda, Orange, Refugio, Victoria and Willacy counties.

Media note: If media would like to join an online, informational briefing beginning at 10 a.m. (CST) tomorrow July 24, please call us at 940-898-5454 for details.

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Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6, the R6 Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERS TEAM UP TO IDENTIFY TEXAS COASTAL FLOOD RISKS: Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Kleberg, Nueces,…

President Declares a Major Disaster for New Jersey

Release Date: July 19, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-062

» More Information on New Jersey Severe Storms And Straight-Line Winds

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available for the state of New Jersey to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and straight-line winds on June 30, 2012.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and straight-line winds in the counties of Atlantic, Cumberland, and Salem.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

William L. Vogel has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Vogel said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Last Modified: Thursday, 19-Jul-2012 14:24:24

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President Declares a Major Disaster for New Jersey

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nassau County to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Release Date: July 19, 2012
Release Number: 4068-019

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A disaster recovery center is open in Nassau County to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by Tropical Storm Debby. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U. S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the center to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors apply for aid.

The disaster recovery center is located at the following address:

Nassau County Emergency Operations Center

(across the street from Nassau County Courthouse)

77150 Citizens Circle

Yulee, FL 32097

If possible, before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm or flooding losses should register with FEMA. There are three ways to apply:

By calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available in most languages, and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By tablet or smartphone using the FEMA app or m.fema.gov.

Anyone who sustained damage in any of the 17 Florida counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any disaster recovery center.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. After registering with FEMA, survivors and businesses may apply online at SBA’s secure website https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; or obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.sba.gov.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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Last Modified: Thursday, 19-Jul-2012 10:38:49

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nassau County to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Preliminary Flood Maps In Kay County, OK Ready for Public View

Knowing flood risks allows for more informed decisions

Release Date: July 16, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-119

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — Homeowners, renters and business owners in Kay County, Oklahoma are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

Kay County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and how the community should move forward with any development.

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the county, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said Region 6 Acting Administrator Tony Robinson “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

To view the new flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) who may be located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

To see the changes since last map visit: maps.riskmap6.com/OK/Kay_Osage/
To use a live chat service, visit go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Once a flood risk is identified, the next step is to consider the purchase of a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to gather information about this relatively low-cost federally backed insurance. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in your area.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 17-Jul-2012 10:36:25

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Preliminary Flood Maps In Kay County, OK Ready for Public View

Hillsborough, Manatee and Taylor Counties Now Eligible for Federal Individual Disaster Assistance in Florida

29 Counties Now Eligible for Public Assistance for Cleanup, Repair Costs

Release Date: July 12, 2012
Release Number: 4068-011

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

ATLANTA, Ga — Tropical Storm Debby survivors in Hillsborough, Manatee and Taylor counties in Florida can now apply for federal disaster assistance. Nine counties – Bradford, Collier, Duval, Lee, Levy, Madison, Putnam, Santa Rosa and Taylor – are now eligible for Public Assistance, which helps pay for infrastructure damage.

There are 17 counties designated for Individual Assistance. They are: Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Franklin, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Nassau, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwannee, Taylor, Union and Wakulla.

For survivors and business owners who sustained damages or losses in those counties, money for temporary housing, essential home repairs and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance may be available. Renters, homeowners and business owners can register for help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Survivors living in a county designated for Individual Assistance can register with FEMA by one of the following methods:

Call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Assistance is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.sba.gov. They may also apply for disaster loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

There are 29 counties eligible for Public Assistance. They are: Baker, Bradford, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Franklin, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Nassau, Pasco, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, Union and Wakulla.

Public Assistance reimburses eligible state and local governments, tribal organizations and some private nonprofit organizations for eligible expenses incurred due to a disaster. On a cost-share basis, reimbursements can include repairing or replacing damaged buildings and infrastructure and emergency expenses such as debris removal, search and rescue, increased security and overtime pay for employees.

All Florida counties are eligible to apply for funding under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Last Modified: Friday, 13-Jul-2012 09:14:50

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Hillsborough, Manatee and Taylor Counties Now Eligible for Federal Individual Disaster Assistance in Florida

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Hernando, Highlands and Pinellas Counties to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Release Date: July 12, 2012
Release Number: 4068-010

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

ATLANTA, Ga. — Disaster recovery centers are open in Hernando, Highlands and Pinellas counties to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by Tropical Storm Debby. The centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the centers to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors apply for aid.

The disaster recovery centers are located at the following addresses:

Hernando County
Hernando County Mining Association Enrichment Center
800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd.
Brooksville, FL 34601

Highlands County
Highlands Agricultural Center
4509 George Blvd.
Sebring, FL 33875

Pinellas County
Park Station
Pinellas Park Chamber of Commerce
5851 Park Blvd.
Pinellas Park, FL 33781

If possible, before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm or flooding losses should register with FEMA. There are three ways to apply:

By calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available in most languages, and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By tablet or smartphone using the FEMA app or m.fema.gov.

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS OPEN IN HERNANDO, HIGHLANDS AND PINELLAS COUNTIES TO HELP TROPICAL STORM DEBBY SURVIVORS – Page 2

Anyone who sustained damage in any of the 14 Florida counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any disaster recovery center.

Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. After registering with FEMA, survivors and businesses may apply online at SBA’s secure website https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; or obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.sba.gov.

For the latest Tropical Storm Debby Recovery information, follow @FLSERT on Twitter or visit www.facebook.com/floridasert. To get a disaster preparedness plan, go to the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website at www.FloridaDisaster.org.

Last Modified: Friday, 13-Jul-2012 09:12:06

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Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Hernando, Highlands and Pinellas Counties to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Florida Community Recognized for Reducing Flood Risks

Unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla. earns Discount on Flood Insurance Premiums

Release Date: July 11, 2012
Release Number: R4-12-019

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

ATLANTA, Ga. — On July 10, 2012, unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla. was recognized at the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners meeting for its active participation in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS).

The CRS rewards communities that voluntarily take steps to reduce flood risks beyond the minimum requirements of the NFIP. These steps, which include increasing flood protection and implementing preparedness and mitigation activities, lead to safer communities and ultimately help saves lives and property. As a result, property owners and renters in CRS-participating communities enjoy a reduction in flood insurance premiums.

Policyholders in unincorporated Palm Beach County first began receiving flood insurance discounts under the CRS program in 1991. As a result of additional steps the community has recently taken, the community moved from a CRS Class 6 to a CRS Class 5 effective October 1, 2011, earning an additional five percent savings on flood insurance.

There are more than 74,000 flood insurance policies in force in unincorporated Palm Beach County, representing more than $19 billion in flood insurance coverage. Policyholders located in the high risk areas of flooding, or Special Flood Hazard Areas, can now receive a 25 percent discount on their policy premium, which is an average savings of $112 per policy. Some policyholders in the lower risk areas are eligible for a 10 percent discount. In total, policyholders realize an annual savings of more than $4.2 million because of the community’s participation in the CRS program.

CRS is a voluntary program for NFIP-participating communities. The intended goals of the program are to reduce flood losses, facilitate accurate insurance ratings and to promote the awareness of flood insurance. For more information on the NFIP’s CRS program visit www.fema.gov/business/nfip/crs.shtm. For more information about the NFIP, a program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Last Modified: Thursday, 12-Jul-2012 09:16:35

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Florida Community Recognized for Reducing Flood Risks

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